Dr. Stephen S. Fuller of George Mason University testified on behalf of AGC before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure last Thursday. The hearing was held to examine how infrastructure investment contributes to job creation and economic recovery.

In his testimony, Dr. Fuller noted that the current stimulus plan's proposed infrastructure investments would create or support more than 1.85 million new jobs between now and the end of 2010.  He said these jobs would include over 620,000 construction jobs, 300,000 jobs in supplying industries and 930,000 jobs throughout the broader economy. To view the testimony, click here.

For more information, contact Marco Giamberardino at (703) 837-5325 or giamberm@agc.org.

CNN's Lou Dobbs featured AGC member Doug Pruitt (Sundt Construction, Tempe, Ariz.) and AGC CEO Steve Sandherr in its January 29 broadcast.  Dobbs' Line-Item Veto series takes a careful look at the proposed stimulus plan, including the infrastructure investment component.

AGC member Doug Pruitt (Sundt Construction, Tempe,Ariz.) and chief economist Ken Simonson were featured on the front page of The Washington Post Business section January 30, 2009.  AGC has worked for months to demonstrate the dire state of the construction industry as it awaits funding through an infrastructure investment component of the stimulus package currently being debated on Capitol Hill.  Read the article here.

AGC continued urging Congress and the public to support the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act today by participating in a press conference on Capitol Hill and co-hosting a webcast on the economic outlook for construction.  AGC was quoted several times in a variety of media outlets, including Durango Herald News, Dow Jones and the Dallas Morning News.

AGC's Ken Simonson speaking to reporters with Congressman Van Hollen

AGC's Ken Simonson (left) spoke at a news conference on Capitol Hill January 27 in support of infrastructure investment as part of the stimulus package that passed the U.S. House of Representatives yesterday.  Congressman Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) hosted the event (right), which included representatives from the Change to Win Labor Federation, Information Technology Industry Council, AFL-CIO, Oracle Corp., and the National Electrical Contractors Association. Read Simonson's remarks here.

In an article titled, "The stimulus package: What's in it for business?" AGC member and past president Steve Massie (Jack L. Massie Contractor, Williamsburg, Va.) was quoted on the state of his business in the current economic climate. In addition, AGC member Brian Burgett (Kokosing Construction Co. Inc., Fredericktown, Ohio) offered comments on the amount of construction work available.  Read the article here.

According to recent insurance industry estimates, soft tissue injuries account for one-third of total claims and two-thirds of the total cost for workers compensation losses. This material focuses on why soft tissue injuries occur and highlights effective methods to reduce the number of soft tissue injuries, such as back injuries, sprains and strains and pinched nerves.

Co-Developed by AGC of America and Zurich, the Package Includes:

• One Instructor Guide with Power Point
• 10 Student Booklets
• One DVD

Item No. 203 and 203S (Spanish)

To order go to www.agc.org/bookstore or call 800-242-1767.

The ConsensusDOCS Reference Kit CD-ROM provides complete samples of all 80+ industry standard contract documents.  The Kit also includes the ConsensusDOCS Commentary, which provides a useful overview of the entire catalog of consensus documents, as well as supplemental information for project specific considerations. 

ConsensusDOCS are the first and only industry standard contract documents that were written by and for the construction industry.  The documents are written in clear language that provides a superior contractual foundation by incorporating best practices and fair risk allocation.  Act now to get your copy of the ConsensusDOCS Reference Kit CD-ROM as quantities are limited.  Member price $149, non-member price $199.  www.agc.org/bookstore

For the price of just one audio conference, you can receive three of our most popular ConsensusDOCS audio conferences in one convenient package.  Whether you are new to construction contracts or looking to increase your knowledge of the latest contracting techniques, these audio conferences provide the information you need to better negotiate and administer your project contracts.  Each program features a panel of industry experts on construction contracts and lasts approximately 90 minutes.

• "Why ConsensusDOCS is the New Choice for Owners"
• "Construction Contracts: A Practical Approach to Clear and Concise Contracts"
• "Comparing ConsensusDOCS and AIA Contract Documents"

This special discounted offer includes all three audio conference programs (a $687 retail value).

AGC Members:  $149.00 • Non-members:  $229.00

This offer won't last long!  Visit www.AGC.org/Bookstore today!

On November 15, 2008, the Federal Acquisition Regulation Council issued a final rule to require federal contractors and subcontractors to use the U.S. Citizenship and immigration Services (USCIS), or "E-Verify," system as a means of verifying that their employees are eligible to work in the United States. While the final rule originally applied to solicitations issued and contracts awarded after January 15, 2009, a legal challenge to the rule has led to the government agreeing to suspend applicability of the rule until February 20, 2009. Solicitations that occur prior to February 20, 2009 would not contain the contract clauses that the rule would impose.

For more information, contact Marco Giamberardino at (703) 837-5325 or giamberm@agc.org.